U.S. patent number RE48,578 [Application Number 16/167,142] was granted by the patent office on 2021-06-01 for enclosure for submersible network protectors.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Richards Manufacturing Company, a New Jersey Limited Partnership. The grantee listed for this patent is Richards Manufacturing Company, a New Jersey Limited Partnership. Invention is credited to Bruce Bier, Joseph Bier, Mantas Jarasunas.
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United States Patent |
RE48,578 |
Bier , et al. |
June 1, 2021 |
Enclosure for submersible network protectors
Abstract
An enclosure for a network protector in an electrical
distribution network includes a cabinet body that defines an
interior region that accepts the network protector. The cabinet
body three electrodes sealed with and electrically isolated from
the cabinet body and each other, which extend through the cabinet
body to establish electrical connection between corresponding
terminals of the network protector and the electrical distribution
network. First and second doors are pivotably connected to opposing
sides of the cabinet body and have respective contact surfaces to
seal against the cabinet body. A first gasket is disposed along a
distal edge surface of the first door, and a second gasket is
disposed along a distal edge surface of the second door. At least a
portion of the first gasket and the second gasket have conformal
shapes that sealingly mate with each other when the first and
second doors are in a closed position.
Inventors: |
Bier; Bruce (Warren, NJ),
Jarasunas; Mantas (Parlin, NJ), Bier; Joseph (Warren,
NJ) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Richards Manufacturing Company, a New Jersey Limited
Partnership |
Irvington |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Richards Manufacturing Company, a
New Jersey Limited Partnership (Irvington, NJ)
|
Family
ID: |
1000005233932 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/167,142 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
15626682 |
Jun 19, 2017 |
RE47096 |
|
|
|
61972635 |
Mar 31, 2014 |
|
|
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Reissue of: |
14667050 |
Mar 24, 2015 |
9379526 |
Jun 28, 2016 |
|
Reissue of: |
14667050 |
Mar 24, 2015 |
9379526 |
Jun 28, 2016 |
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02B
1/38 (20130101); H02B 1/28 (20130101); H02B
1/565 (20130101); H02B 1/32 (20130101); H02B
7/08 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H02B
1/28 (20060101); H02B 1/38 (20060101); H02B
1/32 (20060101); H02B 7/08 (20060101); H02B
1/56 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;174/50 ;49/368,369
;361/608 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Tuan H
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application .Iadd.is a continuation reissue of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/626,682, which is an application for
reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 9,379,526, now U.S. Pat. No. Re 47,096,
which .Iaddend.claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/972,635, filed Mar. 31, 2014, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An enclosure for an electrical distribution system, the
enclosure comprising: a cabinet body defining an interior region
configured to accept a component of the electrical distribution
system, the cabinet body including at least .Iadd.one opening
configured to accept .Iaddend.an electrode sealed with and
electrically isolated from the cabinet body and extending through
the cabinet body to establish electrical connection between a
corresponding terminal of the component and an electrical
distribution network; a first door pivotably connected to a side of
the cabinet body, the first door comprising a contact surface
configured to sealingly contact a corresponding surface on the
cabinet body; a second door pivotably connected to an opposing side
of the cabinet body, the second door comprising a contact surface
configured to sealingly contact a corresponding surface on the
cabinet body; a first .Iadd.jamb .Iaddend.gasket .[.disposed
along.]. .Iadd.extending around three sides of the first door and
terminating at .Iaddend.a distal edge surface of the first door;
and a second .Iadd.jamb .Iaddend.gasket .Iadd.extending around the
entire perimeter of the second door and including a vertical
section .Iaddend.disposed along a distal edge surface of the second
door; wherein at least a portion of the first .Iadd.jamb
.Iaddend.gasket and the second .Iadd.jamb .Iaddend.gasket have
conformal shapes to sealingly mate with each other when the first
and second doors are in a closed position, the first .Iadd.jamb
.Iaddend.gasket comprising a .[.recess extending along the first
gasket.]. .Iadd.concave surface on at least one end thereof
.Iaddend.and the second .Iadd.jamb .Iaddend.gasket .[.comprising a
corresponding protrusion extending along the second gasket, the
protrusion shaped to mate with the recess.]. .Iadd.configured to
contact and seal against the concave surface .Iaddend.when the
first and second doors are in the closed position.
2. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein the first .Iadd.jamb
.Iaddend.gasket and the second .Iadd.jamb .Iaddend.gasket are
disposed within respective recesses .[.extending along the
respective distal edge surfaces.]. .Iadd.around the rim .Iaddend.of
the first door and the second door.
.[.3. The enclosure of claim 1 further comprising at least a third
gasket disposed between the contact surfaces of the first and
second doors and the corresponding contact surfaces of the cabinet
body..].
4. The enclosure of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism
to lock the first and second doors in the closed position.
5. The enclosure of claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism comprises
a plurality of quick-release latching mechanisms disposed between
the first door and the cabinet body and disposed between the second
door and the cabinet body.
.[.6. The enclosure of claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a handle disposed on the second door mechanically coupled
to at least a clamp configured to engage a corresponding first
surface fixed to the cabinet body when the handle is turned..].
.[.7. The enclosure of claim 6 wherein the handle is further
coupled to a cam configured to engage a corresponding second
surface fixed to the first door when the handle is turned..].
.[.8. The enclosure of claim 7 wherein the first door comprises a
lip that is overlapped by the distal edge surface of the second
door when in the closed position..].
.[.9. The enclosure of claim 8 wherein the second door comprises a
gasket is further configured to sealingly engage with the lip when
in the closed position..].
.[.10. The enclosure of claim 8 wherein the contact surface of the
first door comprises: a recess extending along the contact surface
of the first door and terminating at the lip, the first gasket
disposed in the recess and protruding above the recess, the first
gasket comprising an extension extending from the recess to seal a
contact surface of the lip with respect to a corresponding surface
on the cabinet body when in the closed position; wherein a top
surface of the extension is concave and conformal to a
corresponding protruding surface on the second gasket of the second
door..].
.[.11. The enclosure of claim 10 wherein the second gasket extends
around an entire perimeter of the second door..].
.[.12. The enclosure of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of
quick-release latching mechanisms..].
13. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein an external surface of the
cabinet body comprises a plurality of radiating fins.
14. The enclosure of claim 13 wherein an internal surface of the
cabinet body comprises a plurality of fins thermally coupled to the
radiating fins.
15. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein the component is a network
protector.
16. The enclosure of claim 15 wherein the cabinet body includes
.Iadd.at least three openings configured to accept .Iaddend.at
least three electrodes sealed with and electrically isolated from
both the cabinet body and each other and extending through the
cabinet body to establish electrical connections between
corresponding terminals of the network protector and the electrical
distribution network.
.[.17. The enclosure of claim 16 wherein when in the closed state
the cabinet body and the first and second doors are configured to
prevent ingress of water into the interior region for water depths
up to twenty-five feet..].
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to electrical distribution
systems. In particular, the present invention relates to an
enclosure for a network protector in an electrical distribution
system.
2. Description of the Related Art
With reference to FIG. 1, a network protector 14 is a heavy duty
switch designed to open and close under specific conditions within
an electrical distribution system. These conditions are defined by
industry standards. The operating voltage for a network protector
is generally up to 600 Volts and is connected to the secondary (low
voltage) side of a distribution transformer. The overwhelming
majority of network protectors are installed in underground
(sub-surface) structures 10. FIG. 1 illustrates dimensions (in feet
and inches) of a typical underground structure 10. In most cases,
the network protectors 14 are installed in sealed metal enclosures
12 designed to be submerged. As such, these enclosures 12 are
referred to as "submersible network protector housings."
As shown in FIG. 1, in certain cases, there are underground
structures 10 that are too small or confined to allow for safe
installation and operation of submersible network protector
housings 12, which are normally larger than non-submersible
enclosures. In these cases, non-submersible enclosures have been
used. Typically, the underground structures 10 that house the
non-submersible network protector enclosures are equipped with sump
pumps to prevent flooding.
However, the sump pumps are subject to malfunction due to a number
of reasons. During extreme flooding conditions, particularly tidal
flooding conditions, much equipment is subject to destruction. This
occurred during Hurricane Sandy in New York City, for example.
A need for improved submersible network protector enclosures thus
exists.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments are directed to an enclosure for use within
an electrical distribution system. The enclosure is designed to
contain a component of the electrical distribution system,
preferably a network protector, and to withstand ingress of water
into the enclosure, preferably up to depths of 25 feet.
The enclosure includes a cabinet body that defines an interior
region that accepts the component (e.g., network protector). The
cabinet body has one or more electrodes sealed with and
electrically isolated from the cabinet body, which extend through
the cabinet body to establish electrical connection between a
corresponding terminal of the component and an electrical
distribution network. A first door is pivotably connected to a side
of the cabinet body, and the first door includes a contact surface
configured to sealingly contact a corresponding surface on the
cabinet body. A second door is pivotably connected to an opposing
side of the cabinet body, and the second door also includes a
contact surface configured to sealingly contact a corresponding
surface on the cabinet body. A first gasket is disposed along a
distal edge surface of the first door, and a second gasket is
disposed along a distal edge surface of the second door. At least a
portion of the first gasket and the second gasket have conformal
shapes that sealingly mate with each other when the first and
second doors are in a closed position.
In certain embodiments, the first gasket includes a recess that
extends along the longitudinal length of the first gasket and the
second gasket includes a corresponding protrusion that extends
along the longitudinal length of the second gasket. The protrusion
is shaped to correspondingly engage with the recess when the first
and second doors are in the closed position.
In preferred embodiments, the first gasket and the second gasket
are disposed within respective recesses that extend along the
respective distal edge surfaces of the first door and the second
door. Also, preferably, at least a third gasket is disposed between
the contact surfaces of the first and second doors and the
corresponding contact surfaces of the cabinet body.
Various embodiments include a locking mechanism to lock the first
and second doors in the closed position. In some embodiments, the
locking mechanism comprises a plurality of quick-release latching
mechanisms disposed between the first door and the cabinet body and
disposed between the second door and the cabinet body. One or more
quick-release latching mechanisms can also be disposed between the
first door and the second door.
In other embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a handle
disposed on the second door that is mechanically coupled to one or
more clamps configured to engage corresponding surfaces fixed
within the cabinet body when the handle is turned. The handle may
also be coupled to a cam that is configured to engage a
corresponding surface fixed to the first door when the handle is
turned. In such embodiments, it is preferred that the first door
includes a lip that is overlapped by the distal edge surface of the
second door when in the closed position, and that the second door
includes a gasket to sealingly engage with this lip when in the
closed position. In certain variations, the contact surface of the
first door can includes a recess that extends along the contact
surface of the first door and that terminates at the lip, and a
gasket is disposed within this recess and protrudes above the
recess. This gasket includes an extension extending from the recess
to seal a contact surface of the lip with respect to a
corresponding surface on the cabinet body when in the closed
position, and a top surface of the extension is concave so as to be
conformal to a corresponding surface on the gasket of the second
door. Furthermore, in such embodiments, it is preferred that the
gasket of the second door extends around an entire perimeter of the
second door. Such embodiments may also include quick-release
latching mechanisms.
For various embodiments, an external surface of the cabinet body
comprises a plurality of radiating fins. The internal surface of
the cabinet body may also include a plurality of fins thermally
coupled to the radiating fins.
In preferred embodiments, the cabinet body includes at least three
electrodes sealed with and electrically isolated from both the
cabinet body and each other and which extend through the cabinet
body to establish electrical connections between corresponding
terminals of a network protector set within the enclosure and the
electrical distribution network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein will be better
understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like components. For the
purposes of illustrating aspects of the present application, there
are shown in the drawings certain preferred embodiments. It should
be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the
precise arrangement, structures, features, embodiments, aspects,
and devices shown, and the arrangements, structures, features,
embodiments, aspects and devices shown may be used singularly or in
combination with other arrangements, structures, features,
embodiments, aspects and devices. The drawings are not necessarily
drawn to scale and are not in any way intended to limit the scope
of this invention, but are merely presented to clarify illustrated
embodiments of the invention. In these drawings:
FIG. 1 is top view of a prior art enclosure within an underground
structure.
FIG. 2 is perspective view of a first embodiment enclosure.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the enclosure shown in FIG. .[.1.].
.Iadd.2.Iaddend..
FIG. 4 is right-side view of the enclosure shown in FIG. .[.1.].
.Iadd.2.Iaddend..
FIG. 5 is top view of the enclosure shown in FIG. .[.1.].
.Iadd.2.Iaddend..
FIG. 6 is top view of the enclosure shown in FIG. .[.1.]. .Iadd.2
.Iaddend.with the access doors open.
FIGS. 7 to 11 are detailed cross-sectional views illustrating
closing of the split-access doors for the enclosure shown in FIG.
.[.1.]. .Iadd.2.Iaddend..
FIG. 12 is top view of the enclosure shown in FIG. .[.1.]. .Iadd.2
.Iaddend.within an underground enclosure.
FIG. 13 is perspective view of a second embodiment enclosure.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 13
with the access doors open.
FIG. 15 is a top view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 13 with the
access doors open.
FIG. 16 is a right-side view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view of a left door and gasket
for the enclosure shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 18 is a detailed perspective view of a right door and gasket
for the enclosure shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating closing the doors for
the enclosure shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating closing the doors
for the enclosure shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the doors in a
closed state for the enclosure shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 22 is a detailed perspective view of a right door hinge for
the enclosure shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 23 is a right side X-ray view of the enclosure shown in FIG.
13.
FIG. 24 is a detailed right side X-ray view illustrating a locking
mechanism for the enclosure shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 25 is a detailed top X-ray view illustrating a locking cam for
the enclosure shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 26 is a top view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 13 within an
underground enclosure.
FIG. 27 is top view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 13 within
another underground enclosure.
FIG. 28 is perspective view of a third embodiment enclosure.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 28
with the access doors open.
FIG. 30 is a right-side view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 28.
FIG. 31 is a right side X-ray view of the enclosure shown in FIG.
28.
FIG. 32 is a detailed perspective view of a locking mechanism for
the enclosure shown in FIG. 28.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Various embodiments of the invention are intended to allow for the
network protector to be submerged without damage yet still fit in
an underground structure that normally only allows for a
non-submersible enclosure.
A first embodiment submersible enclosure 100 is depicted in FIGS.
.[.1-12.]. .Iadd.2-12.Iaddend.. The enclosure 100 is made of metal,
preferably steel, and is configured to withstand submersion in
water to a depth of 25 feet (as measured from the bottom of
enclosure 100) without water entering into the interior region 101
of enclosure 100. By way of example, enclosure 100 can be made from
1/4 inch thick steel, and include a valve 104 used to pressurize
the interior region 101, preferably with an inert gas, such as
nitrogen, so as to further prevent the ingress of water. Interior
101 of enclosure 100 is sized to accept a network protector 199.
Enclosure 100 includes a first door 110 and a second door 120,
which are coupled by way of respective hinges 131, 132 on opposing
sides of cabinet body 140. Cabinet body 140, with doors 110, 120,
defines internal region 101 within which is disposed network
protector 199. Cabinet body 140 is preferably grounded, and
includes three electrode openings 141 on a top surface, which are
used to respectively electrically connect to corresponding
electrodes on network protector 199. Each electrode opening 141
accepts a terminal or bushing that is electrically isolated from
cabinet body 140 and extends through cabinet body 140 to connect to
the low voltage side of the electrical distribution network. Each
terminal or bushing forms a seal within its respective opening 141
that prevents the ingress of water into interior 101. By way of
example, the electrode or terminal may be electrically isolated
from the cabinet body 140 by an insulating material, such as
polyester, fiberglass, porcelain, epoxy, etc. The insulating
material can be sealed against the cabinet body 140 using a flat or
O-ring type gasket to prevent water ingress. Other .[.example
includes.]. .Iadd.examples include .Iaddend.an electrode or
terminal that is partially encapsulated in a polymeric (e.g.,
rubber) material that electrically isolates the electrode and forms
a seal against the cabinet body 140 to prevent water entry.
The exterior surfaces of cabinet body 140 and doors 110, 120
include radiating fins 102 to radiate heat that network protector
199 generates within internal region 101, which heat is radiated
into an underground structure 198. The interior surface of cabinet
body 140 may also include fins, which collect heat generated within
interior 101 and conduct this heat to the radiating fins 102 on the
exterior surface. Interior surface of doors 110, 120 may also
include fins. The radiating fins 102 can be, for example, welded
to, riveted to or integrally formed with cabinet body 140 and doors
110, 120.
Hinges 131, 132 respectively pivotably and electrically connect
first door 110 and second door 120 to opposite sides of cabinet
body 140. The front of cabinet body 140 has a jamb surface 142, and
each door 110, 120 has a corresponding contact surface 112, 122
configured to sealingly engage jamb surface 142 when swung shut on
hinge 131, 132 to provide a water-tight seal between the doors 110,
120 and the cabinet body 140. To facilitate such sealing
engagement, one or more of the jamb surface 142 and contact
surfaces 112, 122 include jamb gaskets 152. In the embodiment shown
in FIGS. .[.1.]. .Iadd.2.Iaddend.-12, for example, a single gasket
152 is disposed along each of the respective contact surfaces 112,
122 of the doors 110, 120. Jamb gaskets 152 overlay the entirety of
contact surfaces 112, 122 of the doors 110, 120 to ensure a proper,
water-tight seal between the doors 110, 120 and the cabinet body
140. It will be appreciated that although jamb gaskets 152 in FIGS.
7-11 appear to be discontinuous, this appearance is simply a result
of the cross-section taken for FIGS. 7-11. In fact, for the
embodiment shown in FIGS. .[.1.]. .Iadd.2.Iaddend.-11, jamb gaskets
152 overlay the entirety of their respective contact surfaces 112,
122. As illustrated in FIG. 7-11, the interior of doors 110, 120
can include steel stiffeners 113, 123 to ensure that doors 110, 120
do not bow when interior 101 of submersible enclosure 100 is
pressurized, and in the cross-sections depicted in FIGS. 7-11,
these stiffeners 113, 123 only appear to interrupt jamb gaskets
152.
To facilitate a water-tight seal between the doors 110, 120
themselves, each door 110, 120 includes a respective door gasket
154, 156. The door gaskets 154, 156 run along the entirety of the
distal edge surface of each door 110, 120--i.e., the surface of
door 110, 120 that is most distal from hinge 131, 132 and that
swings towards its corresponding surface on the other door 120,
110. The door gaskets 154, 156 are configured to matingly engage
with each other and are set within, and extend from, corresponding
recesses 111, 121 that extends down the distal edge surface of each
door 110, 120. For example, door gasket 154 may include a
depression 155 that runs the length of door gasket 154 and is
conformal with a corresponding protrusion 157 running the length of
door gasket 156 when doors 110, 120 swing shut, as illustrated in
FIGS. 7-11. As also illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, door gaskets
.[.154,156.]. .Iadd.154, 156 .Iaddend.may be compressible against
each other to ensure a tight seal between the two. Flat contact
surfaces 158, 159 on each door gasket 154, 156, which are
respectively adjacent to depression 155 and protrusion 157, may
contact and sealingly engage their counterpart contact surfaces
159, 158 on the other door gasket 156, 154. Additionally, a
protective strip 150, preferably made of steel, may be disposed on
the external surface of one of the doors .[.154, 156.]. .Iadd.110,
120 .Iaddend.along and extending over the distal edge surface of
the door .[.154, 156.]. .Iadd.110, 120 .Iaddend.to overlay, and
thus protect, the door gaskets 154, 156 when doors 110, 120 are
shut.
One or more locking mechanisms 160 are provided on doors 110, 120
and cabinet body 140 to lock and clamp doors 110, 120 into the
closed position, thereby providing a watertight sealing of interior
101. Locking mechanisms 160 may be provided to lock doors 110, 120
to each other, and to lock doors 110, 120 to cabinet body 140. The
locking mechanisms 160 pull doors 110, 120 towards jamb surface
142, and also pull the distal edge surfaces of doors 110, 120
towards each other. Each locking mechanism is a quick-release
latching mechanism including a hook 162 disposed on a first
surface, such as the exterior surface of cabinet body 140, and a
handle 164 pivotably connected to a second surface, such as a door
110, 120. A loop 166 is pivotably connected near pivot point 169 of
handle 164 and engages with hook 162. The mechanical advantage
provided by handle 164 acting as a lever pulling on loop 166 draws
the first surface towards the second surface, such as door 110, 120
to jamb surface 142, or first door 110 to second door 120. When in
the locked position, the changed position of handle 164 causes
pivot point 161 of loop 166 to correspondingly change to a position
with respect to pivot point 169 and end of handle 164 that causes
tension on loop 166 to generate a torque on handle 164 that urges
handle 164 into the locked position, or which aligns the pivot
points 169, 161 with loop 166 so that handle 164 is at least not
urged out of the locked position.
As illustrated in FIG. 12, in contrast to the single door enclosure
12 depicted in FIG. 1, the split-door arrangement of the embodiment
enclosure 100 provides for significantly more space (over 19 inches
versus three inches in the prior art) between doors 110, 120 and
the wall of underground structure 198 when doors 110, 120 are
opened. This additional space greatly facilitates access to
interior region 101 of enclosure 100, and thus to network protector
199.
A second embodiment submersible enclosure 200 is depicted in FIGS.
13-27. Similar to enclosure 100, enclosure 200 is made of metal,
preferably steel, and is configured to withstand submersion in
water to a depth of 25 feet (as measured from the bottom of
enclosure .[.100.]. .Iadd.200.Iaddend.) without water entering into
the interior region 201 of enclosure 200. Interior region 201 is
sized to accept a network protector 299, and cabinet body 240 can
include a pressure valve 204 to pressurize interior region 201.
Enclosure 200 includes a first door 210 and a second door 220,
which are coupled by way of respective hinges 231, 232 to opposing
sides of cabinet body 240. Cabinet body 240, with doors 210, 220,
defines internal region 201 within which network protector 299 is
disposed. Cabinet body 240 is preferably electrically grounded, and
includes three electrode sets 241 on a top surface. Each electrode
set 241 electrically connects to a corresponding electrode or
bushing on network protector 299, and thus extends through cabinet
body 240. The electrodes/bushings in each electrode set 241 are
electrically isolated from cabinet body 240 and are used to connect
to the low voltage side of the electrical distribution network.
Each electrode set 241 is sealed with cabinet body 240 to prevent
the ingress of water into interior 101, such as by way of a flat
gasket.
The exterior surface of cabinet body 240, and optionally doors 210,
220, includes radiating fins 202 to radiate heat that network
protector 299 generates within internal region 201, which heat is
radiated into an underground structure 298. The interior surface of
cabinet body 240 may also include fins 203, and optionally doors
210, 220 as well, which collect heat generated within interior
region 201 and conduct this heat to radiating fins 202 on the
exterior surface of cabinet body 240. The radiating fins 202, 203
can be, for example, welded to, riveted to or integrally formed
with cabinet body 240 and doors 210, 220.
Hinges 231, 232 respectively pivotably and electrically connect
first door 210 and second door 220 to opposite side of cabinet body
240. The front of cabinet body 240 has a jamb surface 242, and each
door 210, 220 has a corresponding contact surface 212, 222
configured to sealingly engage jamb surface 242 when swung shut on
hinge 231, 232 to provide a water-tight seal between doors 210, 220
and cabinet body 240. To facilitate such sealing engagement, one or
more of the jamb surface 242 and contact surfaces 212, 222 are
provided with jamb gaskets. For example, such jamb gaskets can
include a first jamb gasket 252 and a second jamb gasket 254
respectively disposed on the first door 210 and second door 220.
Jamb gaskets 252, 254 overlay the entirety of respective contact
surfaces 212, 222 of doors 210, 220, and partially overlap with
each other, to ensure a proper, water-tight seal between doors 210,
220 and cabinet body 240.
To provide contact surfaces 212, 222, the distal edge surface of
each door includes a recess 211, 221 that extends around the rim of
door 210, 220 that forms contact surface 212, 222, and each jamb
gasket 252, 254 is disposed within its respective recess 211, 221.
Each jamb gasket 252, 254 extends partially from recess 211, 221 so
as to make contact with jamb surface 242.
As best illustrated in FIG. 17, distal edge surface of first door
210 is recessed with respect to the main outer surface of door 210,
thereby providing a lip 213 that forms an L-shaped cross section
and which, when in the closed position, is overlapped by a
corresponding portion of the distal edge surface of second door
220. Recess 211 terminates at this lip 213, but first jamb gasket
252 continues, jogging downward with lip 213 to provide an
extension 253 extending from recess 211, thus ensuring that contact
surface 212 of lip .[.211.]. .Iadd.213 .Iaddend.is properly sealed.
Lip 213 may include a notch to accommodate and provide backing for
extension 253 of first jamb gasket 252. Extension 253 may
co-terminate with contact surface 212 of lip 213 or may extend
slightly beyond lip 213. Additionally, top surface of first jamb
gasket extension 253 is concave so as to be conformal to the outer
surface of the corresponding portion of second jamb gasket 254 on
second door 220.
As best illustrated in FIG. 18, second jamb gasket 254 of second
door 220 extends in a continuous manner around the entire perimeter
of second door 220, including a vertical section 256 that runs from
the top of second door 220 to the bottom of second door 220. As
further illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, first door 210 is first
closed against cabinet body 240, so that first jamb gasket 252 and
extension 253 seal against contact surface 242, thereby sealing
both the main portion of first door 210 and lip 213. Then, as
further illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 24, second door 220 is closed
against both cabinet body 240 and lip 213 of first door 210. Second
jamb gasket 254 seals against contact surface 242, ensuring a seal
between second door 220 and cabinet body 240. Vertical portion 256
of second jamb gasket 254 seals along lip 213 of first door 210,
thus ensuring a seal between doors 210, 220. Terminal ends of
vertical portion 256 contact and seal against the conformal,
concave surface of extension 253 of first jamb gasket 252, thus
ensuring that lip 213 is properly sealed.
As illustrated in FIG. 22, each hinge 231, 232 may be adjustable so
as to ensure that the respective door 210, 220 properly seals
against both cabinet body 240 and the other door 220, 210. By way
of example, hinges 231, 232 may include a first bolt 233 to adjust
the longitudinal spacing between door 210, 220 and cabinet body
240--e.g., move door 210, 220 forward or backward with respect to
cabinet body 240. Each hinge 231, 232 may further include a second
bolt 234, perpendicular to first bolt 233, to adjust the lateral
positioning of door 210, 220--e.g., move door 210, 220 left or
right with respect to cabinet body 240.
First bolt 233 connects to a pivoting mechanism fixed to door 210,
220, and to an adjusting block 236 movably mounted within a frame
238 fixed to cabinet body 240. Rotation of first bolt 233 adjusts
the distance between pivoting mechanism 235 and adjusting block
236, and thus adjusts the longitudinal spacing of door 210,
220.
Second bolt 234 connects to adjusting block 236 and frame 238.
Rotation of second bolt 234 moves adjusting block in and out of
frame 238, and thus adjusts the lateral positioning of door 210,
220.
As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 23-25, a locking mechanism 260 is
provided to lock and clamp doors 210, 220 into the closed position,
thereby providing water-tight sealing of interior 201. Locking
mechanism 260 includes a handle 261 on second door 220, which
connects to a cam 269 on the interior side of second door 220.
Rotation of handle 261 causes a corresponding rotation of cam 269.
Coupling between cam 269 and handle 261 is designed to be
water-tight, including gaskets and other suitable sealing
mechanisms as required and known in the art to prevent ingress of
water through handle 261.
Cam 269 is pivotably connected to linkages 268 extending to the top
and bottom of second door 220. Ends of linkages 268 are pivotably
connected to a respective end of clamp hooks 264 positioned at the
top and bottom of second door 220. Rotation of cam 269 translates
into a displacement of linkages 268 that pull up or push down on
their respective ends of clamp hooks 264.
Clamp hooks 264 are each pivotably connected to a respective
support surface 263 mounted on the interior surface of door 220 at
top and bottom locations. As linkages 268 move up and down, causing
corresponding pivoting of clamp hooks 264, clamp hooks 264 bear
upon or move away from a respective bearing surface 266 fixed
within cabinet body 240. When clamp hooks 264 bear upon bearing
surfaces 266, second door 220 is pulled tightly against both jamb
surface 242 and lip 213 of first door 210, thus locking both first
door and second door 220 into the closed position.
To further ensure tight coupling between vertical portion 256 of
second jamb gasket 254 and lip 213 of first door 210, cam 269 can
be provided with a beveled surface 267 which, when rotated by
handle 261, comes into contact with, and then bears upon, a
corresponding engaging surface 265 on first door 210. As handle 261
rotates, increasing pressure is applied to engaging surface 265 via
beveled surface 267, thus firmly locking first door 210 to second
door 220 and pressuring lip 213 upon vertical portion 256 of second
jamb gasket 254.
As illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, in contrast to the single door
enclosure 12 depicted in FIG. 1, the split-door arrangement of the
embodiment enclosure 200 provides for significantly more space
between doors 210, 220 and the wall of underground structures 298
when doors 210, 220 are opened.
A third embodiment submersible enclosure 300 is depicted in FIGS.
28-32. Doors 310, 320 (and related sealing gaskets 352, 354),
hinges 331, 332 and cabinet body 340 are substantially similar to
the corresponding doors 210, 220, hinges .[.231,232.]. .Iadd.231,
232 .Iaddend.and cabinet body 240 of the second embodiment
enclosure 200 and thus are not discussed. Third embodiment
enclosure preferably also includes a first locking mechanism 360
that is substantially identical to locking mechanism 260 of second
embodiment enclosure 200.
However, regardless of whether or not enclosure 300 includes this
first locking mechanism 360, enclosure 300 includes a second
locking mechanism in the form of one or more .[.a.]. quick-release
latching mechanisms 370 that are substantially identical to the a
quick-release latching mechanisms 160 of the first embodiment
enclosure 100. As shown illustrated in FIGS. 28-32, the
quick-release latching mechanisms 370 are preferably disposed on
top and bottom sides of doors 310, 320, to couple to cabinet body
340, as well as along the hinge-side of each door 310, 320. In
particular, quick-release latching mechanisms 370 are preferably
set immediately adjacent to each distal edge surface of each door
310, 320 at top and bottom sides of .[.door.]. .Iadd.doors
.Iaddend.310, 320.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention
has many applications, may be implemented in various manners and,
as such is not to be limited by the foregoing embodiments and
examples. Any number of the features of the different embodiments
described herein may be combined into one single embodiment, the
locations of particular elements can be altered and alternate
embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the features
herein described are possible. Functionality may also be, in whole
or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now
known or to become known.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes
could be made to the embodiments described above without departing
from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood,
therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications
within the spirit and scope of the present invention. While there
have been shown and described fundamental features of the invention
as applied to being exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be
understood that omissions and substitutions and changes in the form
and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled
in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Moreover, the scope of the present invention covers conventionally
known, future developed variations and modifications to the
components described herein as would be understood by those skilled
in the art.
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